Cleopatra V

Cleopatra V Tryphaena was a queen of the Ptolemaic Dynasty who reigned from about 79 BC to 57 BC, with dates uncertain by about a year. She was the daughter of Ptolemy IX Lathyros and married Ptolemy XII Auletes, ruling alongside him as consort and co-regent. Her children included Berenice IV, Cleopatra VI, and the famous Cleopatra VII.

Her reign coincided with increasing Roman dominance over Egyptian affairs. When Alexandrians expelled Ptolemy XII in 58 BC, official documents indicate that Cleopatra V shared royal power in the capital of Alexandria with Berenice IV, though she died or disappeared from public records shortly afterwards around 57 BC.

Scholars know this queen primarily through papyrological records, temple dedications, and classical historical texts. Her tomb in Alexandria has never been found, and no confirmed monuments or surviving physical remains are associated with her today.

Explore further

Try the name on the Cartouche Desk, or see where the reign falls on the timeline.